§>ongg in Qi\\t Ntgt|t 




t 



SONGS IN THE NIGHT 



SONGS IN THE NIGHT 

BY 
ELIZABETH MARGARET HAMPTON 

PUBLISHED BY 

THE ALDINE PUBLISHING HOUSE 

XENIA, OHIO 



COPYRIGHTED 1915 






\c\\ 



<, 



TO MY FATHER AND MOTHER 
CHARLES AND SARAH HAMPTON 



MAY "8 1915 

©CI.A397921 



THE SONG TRIUMPHANT 



PRELUDE 



Let me but sing for Thee 

"Who, from discord brought harmony. 

Sing of Thy love: 

That all may know, 

When Thou art friend. 

No powei' can prove a foe. 

Sing of Creation, 
When from chaos, 
Thou did'st order bring. 
And good, pronounced 
Every living thing. 

Of man, in whom, 
Thine image 
Thou did'se place. 
The serpent's tempting. 
And the sure disgrace. 

The curse — Thy mercy. 
Sent by Thine own Son, 
By whom, the victory 
O'er sin is won. 



SONGS IN THE NIGHT 



Of whom the prophets, 
Many years* had sung: 
Whose birth, by heavenly choir. 
O'er Bethleliem was rung. 
Whose star, the sheplierds saw. 
And hastened tlien. 
With eager footsteps 
And hearts filled with awe. 

To whom, the wise men, 
Their rich treasures brought. 
Knowing the star would lead them 
To the Child, they sought. 

Who now is risen, 
And at God's right hand, 
Still, day and night. 
Doth plead for sinful man. 



PART ONE 

THE CREATION 

Long, long ago ere Time began to serve. 
Ere earth knew aught of man or beast; 
The Triune God, All-knowing, Omniscent, 
His messenger, thro' space was quickly sent. 
Down, down to earth he came: 
In chaos found. 

No life of creature cumbered yet 

The ground. 

All was in Darkness 

Nor desired the light: 

Sin reigned supreme: 

Enjoying still, the Night. 



SONGS IN THE NIGHT 



Back to the pearly gates 
The angel flew. 
His pinions sparkling, 
Fresh with morning dew. 
Sad was his story: 
Sin on earth has sway: 
Nor angel messenger 
Can crave to stay. 

Then spoke the Father, 
"Light!" And there was light. 
And then he spoke again, 
And it was night. 
Seven times he spoke: 
At each, the day awoke: 
Thus, was the gentle news 
To old earth broke. 

Then into being brought He 

Forth a man 

A thing unknown before 

Think mortals, if you can. 

A being, formed by God, 

Him to adore. 

Within, a soul, His image 

Then he bore. 

Within a garden. 

With all beautiful, 

Trees, fruits and flowers. 

And birds in leafy bowers. 

All this, for man. 

The highest, then, of all the creaturea. 

Made, to kno\\ His call. 

But bird, and beast, and fowl. 

Have mate to love. 

The Almighty heedeth this, in heaven abore, 



SONGS IN THE NIGHT 



And so, to finish and surround 
Him quite, with all good things, 
He giveth him a wife. 

THE TEMPTATION 

A goodly thing 

To look upon. 

But lo, one of His creatures, 

Serpent is his name — 

For Sin, consents 

This creature to defame. 

So, coming stealthily 

By night. 

And knowing, these 

Knew only of the right, 

He whispers and pretends, 

If she — still innocent. 

Shall pluck from Wisdom's Tree, 

Some fruit. 

She wise as God shall be; 

And know both good and evil. 

Same as He. 

Oh cursed knowledge! 

Then, by God denied. 

By this one creature 

Man, is most desired. 

Tho' warned to taste not, 

Still he looks and yearns 

And ever more 

The desire within him burns. 

And so, an easy victim 

Does he fall 

To Sin, by Serpent's tempting. 

Then list! A call 

From that fair thing 

His wife; Come Adam! Eat! 

And know new life. 



SONGS IN THE NIGHT 

THE FALL 

So leaving all the pleasures 
Still behind, 
She plucks and eats, 
Gives Adam the same kind. 
They eat. — O woe! 
For now, they know 
Themselves in nakedness; 
And shame doth glow 
In every nerve. 

Right hastily did Eve 
Some fig leaves tear, 
And quick some garments 
Sews for wear 
For self and Adam; 
Hiding thus the shame. 
And fearing God's stern voice 
Shall call his name. 

To farthest corner of the garden 

Adam flies, 

Himself and mate 

I'rom wrath of God to hide. 

But lo, He comes. 

And knowing all, doth cry, 

"Adam, where art thou, 

Why, my presence fly?" 

And trembling still, 
He comes and bowing low, 
"The woman. Thou gavest 
Sorely tempted. So 
To satisfy, I yielded 
Then I saw. 
That I was naked 
For I broke Thy law." 



10 SONGS IN THE NIGHT 

THE CURSE 

Forth from His presence 
From the garden sent 
O, sad the story 
Awful punishment. 

REPENTENCE 
Long years, nay ages 
Earth has grown 
Full many offspring, 
Sinful Adam's own. 
The Lord of heaven 
Looks on the creatures fair 
His highest being 
And He heeds his prayer. 

THE HEAVENLY COUNCIL 

Again in council 

Sit the Triune band 

This time to save the creature, 

Known as Man. 

Who'll take the burden? 

Share his self-bought woes? 

Who'll dare to suffer 

Self in flesh to clothe? 

The brighest of the Trinity, The Son, 

Pleads, "Father, send me 

Let me go for Thee 

And die, if need be; 

Then shall man be free 

And live with Us, 

Throughout eternity. 

THE BIRTH OF CHRIST 

The Father grants His wish. 
In flesh bedight 
He makes His entry 



SONGS IN THE NIGHT 11 

On one starry night. 
And Angel heralds 
In mid-air proclaim, 
This is the Saviour, 
Honor, man, His name." 

HIS EARTHLY CAREER 

Years thirty-three 

This Son of virgin, served 

As man; lived spotless; 

Still unswerved from purpose, 

Same as when with Triune band 

He chose to plead 

The cause of sinful man. 

THE CRUCIFIXION 

Then came a day 

When on the cross. He died. 

The Son of God 

By man is crucified. 

Three days. He lay 

In tomb, by Joseph given 

Before His ascent 

On a cloud to heaven. 

THE PROMISED REST 

And lo, with Him 

We all may claim a part, 

In God's sure dwelling, 

If we give our heart. 

With Him, we all 

May have a mansion, fair, 

And live fore'er 

And in His presence snare. 



^2 SONGS IN THE NIGHT 



A LESSON 



We get what we give: 

Be it joy or sorrow. 
The deeds of to-day 

Bring harvest to-morrow. 

Pat a child on the cheek. 

She returns with her dolls 

Paper dolls, rag dolls 
Tabbies and all. 

Give love to all, then. 

But seek no return. 
As bread to the waters. 

Tenfold it will earn. 

The sweet trustful child 
Gives a lesson to all. 

She offers her best, 
Tho' only a doll. 

Said the Master and Lord 

Except you repent 
And be as a child 

You shall lose your reward. 



SONGS IN THE NIGHT 13 

CHRISTMAS POEMS 
ODE TO THE CHRIST CHILD 



O Jesus, who wast born, 

In Bethlehem on that blest morn, 

When on the night 

The shepherds saw, 

All round about, a light; 

And angel voices did proclaim 
"Peace on earth, good will to men." 

And wise men hastened to the spot. 

And precious presents to thee brought; 

Thy birth to-day we celebrate 

With mirth and gladness 

Or relate some tale of sadness or of joy. 

May not a tear or sigh annoy 

The hearts of men to-day; 

But let us keep the charge as when 

Angels sang 
"Peace on earth, good will to men." 



MERRY CHRISTMAS 



Merry Christmas! 

Once again. 

To the hearts of weary men, 



14 SONGS IN THE NIGHT 

Joy and comfort 
You are bringing; 
As of old on Bethleliem's plain, 
When the angel choir triumphant, 
Loud, the Saviour's birth proclaimed; 
While the wondering shepherds listened, 
"Peace on earth, good will to men." 
This the Saviour thro' all ages 
Offers freely to all men. 
Whosoever on Him calleth 
Shall have life and peace, Amen. 



CHRISTMAS JOY 

Touch your harp strings ye angels. 
Sing aloud O heavenly choir. 

Lying in a humble manger 
Is your Lord and Saviour. 

Lift your eyes on high, ye shepherds, 

Listen to the chant's refrain. 
Hark! the angels now are singing, 
"Peace on earth, good will to men." 

Leave your studies, O ye wise men. 
Look above, behold his star. 

Haste and bring your choicest presents 
Come and worship from afar. 

Open to Him your hearts, ye people. 

Let the King come in to-day. 
Let all thought of care or sorrow, 
Be forever put away. 



SONGS IN THE NIGHT 16 

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE 
FACE TO FACE 



I cannot love Thee as I ought, 
For with Thy blood I know: 
My dearest pardon Thou hast bought, 
And paid the debt I owe. 

Thou dids't from sin, my soul set free 
From heaven dids't Thou come down 

To loose the chains, and liberty 
Give to thy ransomed own. 

O precious Saviour, ever may I 
The trust which Thou hast left. 

Keep well and guard until the day, 
For which all days are kept. 

Onward and upward, 

Be my cry 
Till heaven, at last, 
I gain on high. 



A PRAYER 

♦ 

O Lord, my prayer is only this: 
That I may use aright. 

The power that Thou dids't give 
Into my keeping while I live. 



16 SONGS IN THE NIGHT 

That not in folly, may I pass 

The golden moments of to-day; 
But cherish time, and ever grasp 
The Present, ere it slips away. 

Whatever in this world, my lot. 

Let from mine eyes the veil be rent; 

That 1 may know that cares are sent 

For profit often, and not punishment. 

Keep too, my heart, nor let it dwell, 

On thoughts which Thee, I would not tell: 

But purify my soul, as with a fire 

And save in heaven at last, my one desire. 



OH ! FOR A CLOSER WALK 
♦ 

I would that I might fly 

On wings of faith to Thee: 

In deep distress am I. 

Save, Father, even me. 

O let me know once more, 

The bliss of feeling near. 
To Thine own precious side: 

And take me in Thy care. 

Remember not the sin 

That tore me from Thy breast: 
But cleanse me from within. 

And do Thou give me rest. 

Give me the Comfortor: 

And help me take my cares 

And cast them all on Thee, 

Who heareth faithful prayers. 



I 



80NG8 IN THE NIGHT 1? 

ALONE WITH JESUS 



Alone, yes all alone 

Nay Lord 
Thou whispereth 

Not alone, 
For ever to my soul 

Thou speaketh, 
" 'Tis when my child 

Thou seemest ^^eakest 
The greater strength is shown." 

Alone with Thee! 

blissful thought 
Thy loving care 

Has to me brought. 
When friend with Thee, 

No night too drear 
No shade too deep. 

In slumber sweet. 
My weary eyes 

May gently sleep. 

With Thee for Friend, 

1 have no fear; 
But joy unfeigned. 

Without a tear. 
I'll brave the tempest's 

Maddening roar 
I'll stem the tide 

On Jordan's shore 
Alone, alone with Thee. 



18 SONGS IN THE NIGHT 

THE THREE PRAYERS 



One day I prayed 

I listened for an answer. 
No sound that mortals know 

Came to my ear 
But lo, a voice 

Deep in my soul replied 
"Wait, Do not fear." 

I prayed again 

"O Lord, a sign from heaven." 
"Be still," the voice replied, 

"None shall be given." 

I prayed again 

This time for strength to do, 
Not my own will, but Thine 

Oh Lord; 
For me, this shall be peace: 

And lo, a peace I never knew; before; 
The peace that passes knowledge 

Came to me. 



THRO' A GLASS DARKLY 

The night is dark, 

I see no ray of light 

To guide me on. 

But in my heart, hope speak* 

And cheers me on. 

To gain the portals 

Of eternal day: 



SONGS IN THE NIGHT 19 

Nor fear the night 

Tho' like a monster grim. 

He hovers near. 

Faith tells me that the day 
Is even now at hand. 
Be of good courage 
Patience yet shall win for thee 
The Promised Land. 

Love says, Behold the gates 
Of endless day 
The white robed angels 
Beckoning this way. 

Heaven at last, 

Tho' gained thro' years of strife 
Thou hast thro' trials 
Gained eternal life. 

Eternal Life 

That never fades aviay, 

A life of love, which knoweth 

No decay. 

O heart 

Was't not worth while 

A grief to have on earth? 

Since in this kingdom bright 

We may have mirth; 

That ceases not, 

For God Himself is there. 

Grief cannot enter 

And unknown is care. 

Trust on 
All will be right 
Faith, Hope and Love 
Shall win the Light. 



20 SONGS IN THE NIGHT 

A HYMN OF ADVERSITY 

Lord, to Thee I cry. 

Make no delay. 
No other help have I, 

To Thee I pray. 

The shadows of the night 

Around me steal: 
I'm groping in the dark. 

Lord, give me zeal 

I'd conquer by Thy spirit: 

Not by night. 
For in the cruel sword, 

Thou hast no delight. 

I want Thy grace alone 

To help me now 
To bear me safely upward 

To Thy throne. 

Create in me a clean heart 

O my God 
Nor let me faint, beneath 

The chastening rod. 

Help me to bear the cross 

And win the crown 
That in all ages, here, 

Thy saints have won. 

And when it pleases Thee 

To summon me 
Before Thy bar of Justice 

To appear, 



SONGS IN THE NIGHT 21 

Oh let me see Thy face in peace 

And share 
Thy joy of heaven, 

That knoweth not a tear. 



MORE LOVE TO THEE 



I want to love Thee more 

Saviour mine 
And every day and hour 

Be thine. 

On "nlngs of faith to soar 
Up to Thy throne 

And trust Thee evermore 
Till life is done. 



Written for the occasion of the Christening of Lin- 
coln School, Xenia, Ohio. 

ODE TO LINCOLN 



Should you ask me 
'Whence this pageant?" 
Why these songs and yells and speeches, 
Why this gathering of the people 
Grave and gay, both men and women? 
I should answer, I should tell you 
Of a son of humble parents, 
Born in cabin, schooled by Nature. 
Friend of fishes, birds and beast; He 
Saw in man a friend, a brother, 



22 SONGS IN THE NIGHT 

Loved then aiid desired to help them: 

In our land, — now free to all men 

Lived a giant, strong and mighty, 

Terrible in form and feature. 

Slaying, crushing in his pathway 

All who bore the mark of Ham. 

Fiercer was he than Goliath, 

Slain by David, son of Jesse. 

More destructive than the dragon 

Claiming England's fairest children. 

For this giant claimed not only 

Fair and young; but old and feeble 

Men and women all alike, of dusky hue. 

And the people called him "Slavery" 

Whispered "Who shall free our land now?" 
"Who shall rid us of our foe?" 

Up and spake our good friend, Lincoln, 

He, the brother, Friend of bondmen. 
"I will strike the blow and kill him. 

Strike him hard and rid the country 

Of this curse. 

Lound he called, then to his summons 

Many thousand freeman came. 

Hard they fought, 'twas sixty-one, when 

To his call the warriors came. 

Sixty-five saw slaves once — freedmen. 

So upon this Autumn day. 

We the heirs of Lincoln's fervor, 

Gather here, and tribute pay 

To our friend, our father, brother 

To the warriors old and gray 

Who responded, fought so nobly 

Won so gloriously, the day. 

Words are poor, but in our hearts are 

Graven deep, with living fire 

Love and honor, thanks and reverence 

For thee Lincoln, everywhere. 



SONGS IN THE NIGHT 23 

POEMS OF SENTIMENT 

* 

THE END OF THE RAINBOW 

They say, at the end of the rainbow 
Pots of gold and silver are found 

Who reaches the end shall forever 
In luxuries abound. 

When only a child, I sought it: 

But my search a vain one proved:. 

Now, groun older, I've found it 
In the heart of one I loved. 

Sometimes the clouds of sorrow 

Obscure my bow for a time 
Still I know that ere tomorrow 

It will shine, in glory sublime. 

I know at the end is treasure: 

The heart of my love is gold: 

In it is room without measure 
Its love for me to hold. 

So I seek not for treasures that perish 

Here on this earth below 
The heart of the one I cherish 

Is for me the end of the bow. 



A DAY DREAM 

Ah love, my heart is aweary: 
I am sighing ever for thee. 

Tho' bright, the skies are not cheery 
For my eyes are starving for thee. 



24 SONGS IN THE NIGHT 

I hear thy Voice in my slumbers 

I see thy face in my dreams 
I hear thee call, times unnumbered, 

Thou art everywhere, it seems. 

The breezes whisper your name, love: 

The flowers reflect your face: 
It is ever, thus, since you came love, 

Where I am, you have a place. 



A TOAST 

TO MY PA 



Here's to dear old dad! 

My best wishes. 

And glad 

Am I to be here 

To give it. 

All honor to ma 

But there's something in pa 

That I'd give all my life to win it. 

No matter how chill 

He goes with a will 

To work for us kids, with pleasure. 

He's never too tired 

To help if desired 

In anything 

Game or lessons. 

So I take off my hat 

To my dad for all that 

And say at parting 

God bless him. 



SONGS IN THE NIGHT 25 

THE LOST TREASURE 

There's something seems to me I've lost, 

I've counted all my gain 
I'd get it back at any cost 

And never more complain. 

I have both wealth and honor, too. 

But these are empty bubbles 
I'd give them all, for one fond breast 

To lean upon in trouble. 



SPRING 



Old earth is gay in her greenness: 

Her face beams with sunshine bright: 

The zephyrs gently caress her: 

Peach blossoms blush at the sight. 



LOVER'S LANE 



All sunshine and mirth 

Where joy has its birth 
And blisses unending remain 

Where sorrow's forgot 
And care comes not 

The path of Lover's Lane. 

The weather is always pleasant there 
And the scenery ever fair, 

It's haunts are palaces unmatched 
By gilded mansions rare. 



26 SONGS IN THE NIGHT 

Those who seek it once are fain 

It's paths again to tread 
And rest in the shadows 

And cool retreats. 
Where love alone is bread. 

Oh, the memories grow sweet with age, 
They are treasured by old and young, 

And many a wrinkled visaged sage, 
Doth treasure, his gems, among. 

So if you've not found 

The enchanted spot 
This peaceful Lovers Lane 

Just seek it with one 
Whom you love, and anon 

Your seeking will not be vain. 



A SONNET 



Dear little lover 

My heart craves for thee. 
Mate of my soul 

I am yearning for thee. 

Wedded in spirit 

Eternally thine 
Clinging to thee 

As the rose to the vine. 

Ah! Could you know it 
My treasure, it seems 

You have always been near me 
Ideal of my dreams. 



SONGS IN THE NIGHT 27 

And my soul answered yours 

In ecstatic bliss 
When you poured out your love 

In one rapturous kiss. 

Aye, e'er to be near thee 

My lover and friend 
Is pleasure supernal 

And joy without end. 



AN AFTER THOUGHT 



We met 

One day in June. 

Neither of us knew how soon, 

In each others' being mingling 

Our two souls 

Should be as one. 

All thro' life, 

May I, no never. 

For one moment 

Wish to sever, 

Ties once dear; 

But as on that afternoon, 

When we met 

One day in June, 

Ever true. 



A REMNANT 

You came 
And of my life 
You seemed a part. 
A joy 



28 SONGS IN THE NIGHT 

Thatfseemed divine, 

Sang in my heart. 

Life then, for me, was dear 

And heaven to earth so near. 

Then in one rapturous kiss 

My soul did taste the bliss 

Of all eternity. 

But in a ^ord 

Spoke light 

Nor for my ear 

I knew my doom; 

Then came a night of gloom 

And sorrow reigned supreme. 

But Hope and Faith 

Twin brothers, two of Love 

Entered, and now we three 

True friends are 

And a merry company. 



ONLY TRUSTING 

* 

Let down your bucket -where you are 

And weary not of waiting: 
Stand still and trust the Saviour's power, 

Thy courage not abating. 

By faith, the sun and moon stood still; 

By faith, were Israel's children 
Led forth, 'gainst Pharaoh's stubborn will, 

Into the land of Canaan. 

By faith, did Gideon's army small 
With brands of fire and pitchers 

Cause Jericho's strong walls to fall 
By faith, their only weapon. 



SONGS IN THE NIGHT 29 

By faith, did David slay Goliath, 

Tlie uncircumcised Philistine 
When he defied God's army of 

His own peculiar children. 

By faith, did Abram in old age 

Still trusting God's sure promise, 

Beget of Sarah, a son. 

Who too, was in her dotage. 

By faith, alone we too shall win 

Tho' tossed about by Satan 
On waves of sorrow, pain and sin 

And many tribulations. 



WHAT IS HEAVEN FOR ME ? 

* 

Some call it the "Isle of Somewhere" 
And others the "Land o' Leal" 
'Tis called by some, a resting place 
Where no languor do we feel. 

Some say "It's a kingdom of riches" 
Where thieves neither enter nor steal 
Where everyman's home is a mansion 
And joys unfeigned we feel. 

Some say "It never existed" 
Since none of the vast host gone, 
Has ever returned to tell us 
Of the bliss, which there, is known. 

But to me, it will be Heaven, 
To behold my Saviour, King. 
To sit at His feet forever 
And help. His praise to sing. 

To know that I shall be like Him, 
And in His glory share 
To know that by His grace I'm redeemed 
Shall be bliss beyond compare. 



30 SONGS IN THE NIGHT 

To be one of the countless number 
That shalV crown Him "Lord of All" 
When waked from the final slumber, 
Roused by the trumpet's call. 



A LULLABY 

* 
I 

Good night honey 

Take yo' rest 
Mammy's little baby. 

Lean yo' head 
On mammy's breast 

Mammy's little baby. 
Mammy sees dem eyes so bright 

Look like stars shine 
In de night 

Mammy's little baby. 

II 

Go to sleep now, 

Shet yo' eyes 
Mammy's little baby. 

Hush, let mammy still yo' cries 
Mammy's little baby. 

Yes de bugga man done gone 
Done lef mammy's baby 'lone 

Mammy's little baby. 

Ill 
Bless dat pretty little mouf 

Mammy's little baby 
Ain't yo' worried mammy nouf? 

Mammy's little baby 
Mammy sees you nod yo' head 

Cause for sleep you mos' nigh dead 
Mammy's little baby. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

llliiilllllllllllilllllll 

015 907 526 6 ( 



